Newcastle's Utilita Arena will host one of the most anticipated British title fights in recent years as Darlington's Troy Williamson takes on Sunderland-born Josh Kelly. The fight is set to take place on on Friday December 2, live on Channel 5.
The pair will go toe-to-toe for the British Super Welterweight Championship - Williamson having defended the British Light-Middleweight title last time out against Mason Cartwright with a unanimous decision win. The 31-year-old surprised the division by winning the belt against Ted Cheeseman back in October 2021.
Kelly is looking to establish himself once more having beaten Lucas Bastida for the vacant WBO International super welterweight title. The Sunderland fan admits the defeat to David Avanesyan saw him bury some demons, but has won his last two bouts on his return to the ring.
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The two boxers will put their friendship to one side, having sparred together earlier in their careers. The pair have already been at it on social media bringing up their football rivalries after Williamson wore a Newcastle shirt to Kelly's fight with Bastida.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Kelly said: "100% confident, I think this fight has come at a perfect time for me. I’ve boxed on big events, and I’ve been under the bright lights before, so I know what this feels like.
"I’m more experienced in that department and I know it’s my time now to go and take this British title with both hands. The North East is quite a small place so you get good sparring where you can.
"Troy was good sparring, and we came through Team GB where we saw a lot of each other. I know the level of skill and desire I possess which makes this the perfect fight and perfect timing for me to take this. I’m raring to go. That British title is something that means a lot to anyone in this country.
"My eyes are also on the big, world titles as well so to get there you have to beat the likes of Troy Williamson. Ending my career? No that can’t happen.
"I’m only 28-years-old and I’m still young in this sport and Troy is older, so me winning this British title could be the flip side of what he sees and I could be the one who ends his career.
"Where is he going after I take that title? There’s not many options for him, and it’s going to be an enjoyable night for me, let me tell you."
Williamson was equally respectful for his opponent, but is backing himself to get the win on December 2. He said: "This is the fight I wanted.
"I like Josh, we’ve travelled together when we did the junior stuff, but it’s a business at the end of the day, and we’ll be getting down to business on December 2. I think Josh has had a good ride, and I don’t think he’s anywhere near done regardless of some people saying he might be; he’s still only a young lad.
"He had a lot of hype about him at the start of his career, but I don’t think he’s propelled as much as people thought he was going to. Now he’s fighting for the British title, and it’s time for me to end his career. I do believe that I will do that."
Tickets for the fight are available here.
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